Ioannina Travel Guide 2026. The Lake City, Ali Pasha and the Zagori Villages

Ioannina is one of the most fascinating and underrated cities in Greece — a historic lakeside city in the mountains of Epirus with a rich Ottoman past, a mysterious island in the middle of its lake, dramatic natural surroundings and one of the best food scenes in the country. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Ioannina in 2026.

Why Ioannina is special

Ioannina has a history unlike any other Greek city — it was the capital of the legendary Ali Pasha, the "Lion of Ioannina," an Ottoman ruler so powerful that Napoleon and Lord Byron both sent him delegations. The city sits on the shores of Lake Pamvotis at an altitude of 500 meters, surrounded by the mountains of Epirus. Its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, its island in the middle of the lake, its proximity to the spectacular Zagori region and its excellent cuisine make it one of the most complete destinations in mainland Greece.

Top things to do in Ioannina

1. The Island of Ioannina

📍 Lake Pamvotis  ·  ⏱ 2-3 hours  ·  🚢 Short boat ride from the waterfront

The island in the middle of Lake Pamvotis is one of the most unique places in Greece — a small inhabited island with no cars, Byzantine monasteries, narrow alleys and the house where Ali Pasha was assassinated by Ottoman soldiers in 1822. The short boat ride from the city waterfront (just a few minutes) transports you to a completely different world. The island's tavernas serve excellent fresh lake fish — eel, carp and trout.

2. The Byzantine Castle (Kastro)

📍 Ioannina city center  ·  ⏱ 2 hours

The Byzantine castle of Ioannina dominates the city — a massive fortification built on a promontory jutting into the lake, with stunning views over the water and the surrounding mountains. Inside the castle walls you'll find two Ottoman mosques (one housing the Municipal Museum), Byzantine churches, the tomb of Ali Pasha and the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter. One of the most atmospheric historic sites in northern Greece.

3. Zagori — the stone villages of Epirus

📍 40-60km from Ioannina  ·  ⏱ Full day

Ioannina is the gateway to Zagori — one of Greece's most spectacular and least-known destinations. 46 traditional stone villages connected by ancient cobblestone paths and arched bridges, the dramatic Vikos Gorge (one of the deepest in the world) and pristine rivers and forests make Zagori an extraordinary destination for hikers and nature lovers. A must-do day trip from Ioannina.

4. Perama Cave

📍 4km from Ioannina  ·  ⏱ 1 hour  ·  🎟 €10 entry

One of the largest and most spectacular caves in Greece — a 1,100-meter network of caverns decorated with millions of stalactites and stalagmites, some of them millions of years old. The guided tour takes about 45 minutes and passes through chambers of extraordinary natural beauty. Fossils of prehistoric animals including cave bears have been found here.

5. Ioannina food scene

📍 City center and the island  ·  ⏱ Evening

Ioannina is famous throughout Greece for its exceptional cuisine — particularly its pites (savory pies), fresh lake fish, baklava and the unique local sweets. The city has a thriving cafe culture and some of the best traditional bakeries and pastry shops in Greece. Don't leave without trying:

• Filo pies (pites) — spinach, cheese, leek and meat pies made with paper-thin handmade filo pastry
• Fresh eel from the lake — a local delicacy best eaten on the island
• Baklava and kataifi — Ioannina's Ottoman pastry tradition is exceptional
• Frogs legs — a unique local specialty from the lake

6. Dodoni — the ancient oracle

📍 22km from Ioannina  ·  ⏱ 2-3 hours  ·  🎟 €6 entry

Dodoni is one of the oldest oracle sites in the ancient Greek world — older even than Delphi. The ancient theater of Dodoni is one of the best preserved in Greece and hosts performances during the summer festival season. Set in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, it's one of the most atmospheric ancient sites in Greece.

Where to stay in Ioannina

• City center / lakefront: Best location — walking distance to the castle, the waterfront and the boat to the island.
• Kastro area: Most atmospheric — staying inside or near the old castle walls.
• Zagori villages: For those who want to base themselves in the mountains — spectacular stone guesthouses in villages like Monodendri, Papigo and Tsepelovo.

How to get to Ioannina

• By plane: Ioannina Airport (IOA) has daily connections to Athens (50 minutes). Summer connections to Thessaloniki.
• By car: From Athens about 4.5 hours via the Egnatia Motorway. From Thessaloniki about 3.5 hours. A car is essential for exploring Zagori.
• By bus: Regular KTEL buses from Athens (6 hours) and Thessaloniki (4 hours).

Best time to visit Ioannina

• Spring (April-May): Beautiful — wildflowers, green mountains, perfect hiking weather in Zagori.
• Summer (June-August): Warm but never too hot thanks to the altitude. Excellent for combining with the beach resorts of Epirus.
• Autumn (September-October): Spectacular colors in the Zagori forests. Excellent food season.
• Winter: Atmospheric and cozy — the lake mist, the castle lights and the warm cafes make Ioannina one of Greece's best winter destinations.

💡 Local tip: The boat to the island runs until late at night — an evening trip across the lake to have dinner on the island, with the castle lit up behind you and the mountains in the dark, is one of the most magical experiences in Greece.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ioannina worth visiting?

Absolutely — Ioannina is one of the most rewarding destinations in mainland Greece. Its unique combination of Ottoman history, Byzantine architecture, spectacular natural surroundings and excellent cuisine make it a destination that surprises and delights every visitor.

How many days do I need in Ioannina?

2-3 days for the city itself plus 1-2 days for Zagori is the ideal itinerary. With 5 days you can explore the city, Zagori, Dodoni and Perama Cave at a relaxed pace.

Is Ioannina cold?

Ioannina is significantly cooler than coastal Greece — it sits at 500 meters altitude and can be cold and misty in winter. Summer temperatures are very pleasant (25-30°C) — cooler and more comfortable than the coast.

What is Ioannina famous for?

Ioannina is famous for Ali Pasha (the Ottoman ruler who made it his capital), the island in the lake, the Zagori region and stone villages, its exceptional pites (savory pies) and its silver jewelry tradition — the local silversmiths of Ioannina have been famous throughout the Balkans for centuries.